Why is Parent-Teacher Collaboration Important for Student Success?
As a parent or caregiver, your involvement and understanding of what your child is learning can greatly impact their education.
By working with your child’s teacher(s) and helping your child at home, you can help them do their best in school and feel good emotionally. This partnership creates a learning environment that:
Can lead to better grades and improved behavior
Fosters a lifelong love of learning
Values education
Respects all backgrounds
Helps every child succeed
Strategy 1
Establish Regular Communication Channels
At the start of the school year, introduce yourself to your child’s teacher and establish a routine for staying in touch. Make the most of parent-teacher conferences to discuss your child’s progress and explore ways to support their learning at home. Stay connected and informed by using the school’s communication tools, ensuring you’re always up to date on classroom activities and expectations.
What you can do:
Introduce yourself to your child's teacher at the start of the school year and keep in touch regularly. Attend parent-teacher conferences to discuss your child's progress and learn ways to support their learning.
Activities could include:
Writing a friendly note to the teacher with you contact information.
Chatting briefly during pick-up and drop-off times, if possible.
Asking for communications in your preferred language if needed.
Using email or free messaging apps to stay connected
What you can do:
Stay informed about what’s happening at school by using communication tools provided by the school. Attend parent-teacher conferences to discuss your child’s progress and learn ways to support their learning.
Activities could include:
Checking the school’s website or Google Classroom for updates on assignments or events.
Use free apps recommended by the school to receive announcements.
Sending an email to teachers to introduce yourself and show your support.
What you can do:
Attend parent-teacher conferences and keep the lines of communication open with teachers and counselors
Activities could include:
Scheduling virtual meetings or phone calls if you can’t attend in person.
Emailing teachers with any questions or concerns
Talking with the school counselors about classes that match your teen’s interests and goals.
Strategy 2
Engage in Learning Activities at Home
Make learning part of everyday life by spending time each day engaged in your child’s education. Talk about school subjects at home to reinforce classroom lessons, and connect what they’re learning to real-world situations so they see the value and relevance of their education.
What you can do:
Spend time each day involved in your child's learning.
Activities could include:
Reading a book together form the local library.
Playing educational games that involve counting or letters using household items.
Watching educational videos online and discussing with your student.
What you can do:
Discuss school subjects at home to reinforce what they're learning.
Activities could include:
Talking about your student’s favorite class during dinner.
Doing a simple science experiment together using things you have at home.
Encouraging your child to read articles or documentaries related to their studies.
What you can do:
Connect their schoolwork to real-life situations.
Activities could include:
Watching a news segment or documentary together and having a discussion.
Helping your student find free online resources to deepen their understanding of a subject.
Talking with your teen about how their courses relate to future career options.
Strategy 3
Participate Actively in the School Community
Get involved in your child’s education by participating in school activities and events. Joining parent groups or attending meetings helps you stay connected, informed, and engaged in school decisions. By actively advocating for improvements, you support not only your own child’s success but also the broader school community.
What you can do:
Get involved in school activities when possible.
Activities could include:
Volunteering to read a story to the class or serve as a room parent.
Helping with a simple art project using materials from home.
Attending school events like recitals or art shows.
What you can do:
Join parent groups or attend meetings to stay involved.
Activities could include:
Participating in virtual parent-teacher meetings, including Local School Council (LSC) meetings.
Signing up for the school's newsletter to stay informed.
Taking part in surveys or discussions hosted by the school.
What you can do:
Advocate for improvements in education.
Activities could include:
Attending Local School Council (LSC) meetings, either in person or online
Joining online groups related to school events and initiatives.
Sharing your ideas and concerns with school leaders through email or meetings.
Strategy 4
Create a Supportive Home Environment for Learning
Support your child’s learning at home by creating a quiet, organized space for studying and completing homework. Encourage good time management skills and help them stay on top of assignments. Guide your child or teen in balancing school responsibilities with extracurricular activities to promote both academic success and overall well-being.
What you can do:
Provide a good space for your child to study and do homework.
Activities could include:
Setting up a quiet spot at the kitchen table or the corner of a room as a study area.
Minimizing distractions by turning off the TV during homework time.
Making sure they have supplies like pencils and paper.
What you can do:
Help your child stay organized and manage their time.
Activities could include:
Creating a simple daily schedule together.
Using a calendar or planner to keep track of assignments.
Encouraging them to set reminders for important dates.
What you can do:
Help your teen balance school with other activities.
Activities could include:
Discussing ways to handle stress and stay healthy.
Encouraging regular breaks during study sessions.
Helping your student prioritize tasks and plan ahead for deadlines.
Strategy 5
Set and Reinforce High Expectations
Celebrate your child’s achievements and progress while encouraging a positive attitude toward learning. Collaborate with them to set meaningful goals and discuss their future aspirations, helping them plan the steps needed to reach their dreams.
What you can do:
Celebrate your child's efforts and progress.
Activities could include:
Praising your child when they complete a task or improve at something.
Creating a chart or board at home to track their achievements.
Having a special family activity to celebrate successes.
What you can do:
Work with your child to set goals.
Activities could include:
Writing down academic and personal goals together.
Reviewing these goals regularly and making changes if needed.
Encouraging your child to keep trying, even when things are tough.
What you can do:
Talk about their future plans and how to reach them.
Activities could include:
Exploring free online information about colleges or careers.
Helping them look for scholarships or internships.
Encouraging your teen to follow their interests and passions.
The Power of Parent-Teacher Collaboration on Curriculum
Check out the full resource for effective strategies on parent-teacher collaboration here.
Curriculum 101
What Your Child Learns at School: A Quick Guide
Curriculum 201
What Your Child Learns at School: Continued
Skyline 101
The Skyline curriculum, created in partnership with CPS teachers, is a fully digital PreK-12 curriculum developed for CPS to ensure all CPS students have access to a high-quality, rigorous education that is culturally responsive and tailored to their needs. Learn more.
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